WTF?! Batteries have grown over the years, but our gadgets' power hunger has grown in tandem. You can tote around a power bank to keep things juiced up, but then you're stuck recharging that brick eventually too. That's where a wacky new wearable peripheral comes in. It sucks up the sun's rays to refill your device batteries. But perhaps the best part is you don't have to cram it into your already overstuffed pack. Instead, you wear it… on your head.
The EcoFlow Power Hat may look like an average hat at first glance, at least from a distance, but get a little closer and you'll spot some strange-looking patterns on the brim. Those are actually solar cells powerful enough to charge your devices at 12W via USB-A and USB-C ports while you're out exploring nature's trails or chilling at the beach.
The solar cells are built from crack-resistant monocrystalline silicon materials. With an impressive 23-24% efficiency rating, the PowerHat can fully charge a 4,000mAh power bank in just 3-4 hours of sunny conditions.
Besides being a clever gadget, the PowerHat is also rather rugged. The whole rig is water-resistant and dust-proof, thanks to an IP65 rating, meaning you can wear it outside during a drizzle as well – although having clouds above would likely significantly affect its charging ability. IIt is also unclear if this IP65 rating extends to the USB ports.
Under the hood, it packs a max 2A charging current at 5V with a short circuit current of 2.2A and an open circuit voltage of 7.8V. In simpler terms, enough power to keep your phone, camera, earbuds, and other USB devices chugging along during extended outdoor adventures.
Now for the downsides: at around 13 ounces, this solar-powered sombrero definitely isn't a featherweight. Additionally, you'll probably want to take it off and charge it separately when sun protection isn't needed.
The PowerHat comes in two sizes to fit most heads – medium/large for 22-22.8 inch circumferences and large/XL for 23.2-24 inches.
If you're keen to get your hands on one of these, EcoFlow is running a limited pre-order from August 1 to 31 at $79. General availability is slated for mid-September, just in time for those late summer camping trips.
This quirky solar hat could be the next big thing in portable charging
